Hello all. I'm new to the sl ownership world (impulsive buy!!) and new to Pagoda SL Group.
My recently purchased '65 230sl is a "driver" that I want to fix up a little more to improve reliability (it's already almost stranded me once with a crack in the upper rad hose).
My question is: where is the best source for parts? I dropped in to my local (London Ontario, Canada) MB dealership and they needed the VIN to check parts availability, then I could order from that list. Seems kinda slow. Parts Online Canada lists the upper rad hose for $25, but I'm skeptical about whether it really is the correct part and would be even more nervous on more expensive parts - anyone had luck with them?
I really just want to do some simple maintenance(replace all hoses, belts, fix the slightly loose steering, etc) plus some safety upgrades (maybe seatbelts and headrests, if it doesn't ruin the cars originality too much - I'd even considering buying seats with headrests so I can keep the originals...)
I've tried matching the rad hose at Canadian Tire (no luck). Does anyone have a "cross reference" to other MBs or vehicles for parts like this?
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thx,
MO